Here are my questions and my answers to you!! :)
It is warm today. I will have to buy a coat and some gloves soon though, Somedays the weather cools down. But, I've been doing great! I haven't been transfered yet. You'll know about that. (b/c...soon!)
I'll explain how it works if Sandra and Will haven't. Each missionary is assigned an area and a companion for 6 weeks (everywhere in the world). So your guaranteed to see the same missionary in your town for 6 weeks. 5 weeks ago we got a call saying we were staying together in the same area even though we both had been there 6 weeks. (They decided not to transfer us! YAY). Normally, one missionary is transferred at a time so that someone is left with experience in the area, so someone knows who the members are and how to get to places. They can also introduce him/her to the people they are working with and whatever useful information. So, I've been in Kiev for almost 12 weeks (that means at the end of this week it's transfer time for our entire mission). The mission is divided up into zones and from zones into districts and from districts into companionships. At the beginning of each tranfer we set zone goals for the transfer, district goals to help us meet them and companion goals. We have Zone conferences once every transfer. My zone conference will be on Friday. It is an inspiring event where President Steinegal and our missionary leadership teach us how we can be better and do the work better. They introduce new principles to try in our work or tell us things we should change. So far they are amazing! We have district meetings once a week.
During each transfer (each 6 weeks) we have the opportunity to participate in exchanges. Missionaries will switch companions for a few days to learn from other missionaries. It's rare with sisters but our mission just went crazy with exchanges and I participated in 3! So, I've served with half the sisters in the mission and half of the Ukrainian sister areas! (My area is the best but I will leave soon. But, I will work hard to make each area spectacular!)
I serve in the borshahivsky ward, right next to the temple site! It's the best and it's beautiful! The mission office is also located in our chapel. So, whatever we need we can get really easily! I have an amazing companion (who will soon train a new missionary again, and I will have to leave.)
Remember she is Ukrainian but has lived in Italy for the last 5 years. She has taught me a lot about missionary work, having fun, cooking, and whatever else a senior companion is supposed to teach you.
I served one week in L'viv (remember my second week here)-- another paradise in the mission. I hope one day I will go back! They have two fabulous branches!
I went on an exchange to western Kyiv in (I think this is right) Harkivsky. I was only there for 3 days, so I didn't get to meet many members. If I serve there soon, I'm going to have to do some major deep cleaning on our first preparation day.
Then, 2 weeks ago I was on an exchange in Bila Tserkva, remember I had an Armenian companion who spoke
Armeanian, Russian, and about 50% English (Sister Nakashyawn). It's a beautiful area. We lived in the middle of our neighbor's (who is also our landlord) garden. She also has an enormous apple tree!
(How do you make apple pie?)
I was there for 4-5 days and gave out 2 baptismal dates and met a few of the members. I wasn't there for church though.
That's the story of what's been going on. Does it make sense?
Now, in comments to your e-mail. Introduce yourself to the elder. PLEASE...for my sake. You have no idea what it's like to be in a new area, having so much you need to know and so much you need to do, and know idea how to do it. Give him some of your expert advice, tell him you want to support him.
So, in regards to a Christmas package, I hope you don't go crazy - I'll have to carry it all the way back to my apartment!
No, we don't get a lot of invites from members. Things are just a little bit different out here. People are poor (the exchange rate is 9:1 in our favor). But, they are very hospitable. We never know if we will be fed when we have an appointment.
I've been eating well. I made us omletes yesterday for breakfast!
Why did they close the temple in Germany?
Well, I'm sitting at a computer with a horrible space bar. I have to really punch it down in between every word. AWFUL...it's really trying my patience!
We will watch conference I suppose at the end of October. It's kind of sad that I have to wait a few more weeks, but it will be amazing none the less!
The only broadcasts we attend are general conference and even for stake conferences only the Sunday sessions. Missionary Work is very important, and I'm learning what a horrible member missionary I was before my mission. Every day I repent and promise that I will take what I've learned and do my part as a member of the Church who has been blessed with a testimony of the Gospel and knowledge about the restoration of the fulness!
I cannot wait to hear about new temples too! And everything inspiring that comes through the mouths of living Prophets and apostles!
So, guess what: I am getting transfered this week! I leave on Thursday for my new area! I am about 90% positive that I'm 80% on where I will go. The office elders serve in my ward and they gave me two hints (I swear I didn't ask for them and they weren't trying to tell me either):
First Elder Rayburn said in remark to something Russian I said to him that I should get used to it as I'll soon be speaking "Sergic" (the name for the Ukrainian + Russian "PIGEON" - (blending of two or more languages like Spanish and French = Creole in Louisiana) In other words Ukrainian + Russian = Sergic, expect they don't have new words. They just speak One sentence in Ukrainian and one in Russian and if they forget a word in Ukrainian they will say the word in Russian. Did I tell you that every single Ukrainian speaks Russian and Ukrainian? So, I'm trying to learn Ukrainian but Russian is thrust upon me. I'm excited. What other mission in the world do you have the opportunity to learn two languages? Not that it doesn't happen here: Sacrament Yesterday - Elder Miller spoke Russian, I spoke Ukrainian, the children sang in Ukrainian, the next man spoke in Ukrainian, the closing speaker spoke in Russian, the opening Prayer: Ukrainian & Closing Prayer: Russian. Sometimes the Sacrament Prayers are even divided! Interesting, huh!
Second they said I would have to play piano in this ward...
It was my last Sunday along with Elder Miller, so we both spoke for a few minutes in sacrament meeting. After my testimony the primary sang "I love to see the Temple" (in Ukrainian obviously) and I thought it was absolutley lovely. I was surprised by the number of children our ward has. Elder Miller said, "There are a lot of children where you are going too, and you'll have to play the piano."
Oh, Elder Miller is just jealous. Bila Tserkva was his most beloved area. He wants to return. But, with 3 months left I think he'll serve wherever he is being transfered to until the end of his mission. So, yes. I am 80% sure I'm going to Bila Tserkva.
Hooray for new and exciting things! That means I'll be living in the middle of a Ukrainian garden!! I had a great exchange there a couple of weeks ago. I'll let you know for sure next Monday.
It is sad to leave here. We have two wonderful women preparing for baptism in October, and of course people I will miss serving. I love this ward & it's members. Okay, well I have a lot to do to get ready for transfers, like pack and clean, and learn a langauge (Ukrainian) I still have miles to go!
Well, I love you.
Thanks for everything!
I am so excited for your birthdays! I love you both!
You two are angels!
Love,
Sister Murphy!
You two are angels!
Love,
Sister Murphy!
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